Dear Flint Hill School Families,

At this time of every year, I always take the opportunity to reflect on the past and look ahead to the future. When I reflect on the past, I am grateful for all that has happened—each adventure, new experience, and the thrill of working at a school where I get to watch incredible youngsters grow and develop into young adults. In fact, over the past week, we have had a steady stream of college-age alumni stopping by the school. It is amazing to see the young men and women that they have become. Many are getting ready to embark on their career paths and many talked about the new cities they are planning to move to and what they want for their future. I will tell you, like their parents, there is a sense of pride that all we feel. Our alumni are the greatest examples of the outcomes of a Flint Hill education. And the fact that they take time to visit their alma mater when they are home from college is a real testament to the impact the School has had on them.

I know that you, like me, would like to see this kind of pride and engagement continue, and the approaching New Year gives us the opportunity to look ahead. What kind of dreams and aspirations do we have individually and as a school? How many of us fail to take time to make resolutions each year? Lately, when I consider the future of our School, I always come back to our Strategic Plan. Earlier this week, our Director of Studies, Emily Sanderson, made an excellent presentation to the Board of Trustees on a number of initiatives that have evolved from the Strategic Plan. I will review a number of those initiatives with you in January when we return from Winter Break, including our Campus Master Plan.

Our Strategic Plan and Campus Master Plan are more than words and images on paper―they represent our commitment to the future of our School. The Strategic Plan outlines our vision, while, in the spirit of the holiday season, you could say that the Campus Master Plan is our “wish list” for bringing that vision to fruition. The incredibly successful year we’ve enjoyed so far is a testament to the impact of our Strategic Plan, but there is more to be done, and one of Flint Hill’s greatest strengths is that we are always looking forward.

For those of you who missed our State of the School event in October, we will provide additional opportunities in the New Year to educate members of our community on the exciting and critical next steps for our school that are outlined in the Campus Master Plan. As we engage in discussions regarding bold new programs, facilities and projects, your support and involvement will be crucial as we move forward, but you have to understand the vision we are working to bring to life.

With 2017 on the horizon, let’s all keep in mind that dreams are real. Our “Driving Spirit” is evident in the entrepreneurialism, momentum and passion that have become hallmarks of our great school. It is an exciting time to be at Flint Hill and to witness the learning that takes place across all three divisions. It is equally thrilling to consider what is possible in the future.

As we step away for this holiday season, I sincerely wish everyone a very happy, healthy and restful holiday season. It is a time for all of us to once again, step away from the normal routines and be with family and friends. Cherish life and the love from the people around you and remember those who mean the most to you. We wish you all the very best and look forward to seeing you as the new year gets underway!

Sincerely,

John M. Thomas
Headmaster